Best Restaurants 2017!
No. 9 Ale Stars
Dine well and get all hopped up

Photograph by Winnie Ma
Taps Fish House & Brewery
This brew crew wins so many national beer awards, we’ve stopped counting. With multiple breweries bubbling up locally, we’re getting really picky. This player rises to the top by virtue of the champion beers paired with a vast menu of upscale American classics in a handsome setting. 101 E. Imperial Highway, Brea, 714‑257‑0101; 13390 Jamboree Road, Irvine, 714‑619‑0404, tapsfishhouse.com
WurstHaus
Downtown Santa Ana’s friendliest beer hall isn’t anti-O.C., it’s simply pro-Europe. Every drop from the impressive suds roster is imported
from Germany or Belgium. Even better, these biers pair perfectly with the menu of rich sausages on pretzel rolls with piquant toppings. Don’t skip the Belgian‑style fresh Kennebec fries. 305 E. Fourth St., Santa Ana, 714-760-4333, wursthausdtsa.com
The Public House
This new downtown canteen is by the folks behind Evans Brewing Company, O.C.’s oldest brewer. Chef Amanda Platt pumps out vivid, brew‑friendly eats from an impossibly small kitchen. Cocktails, too, but the beer is more reliable. Live music most nights. 138 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, 714‑870-0039, evansbrewco.com